The U16 men's football competition of China's 15th National Games (NG) is underway in Wuhua County, Meizhou, Guangdong Province, from September 4 to 15. Known as China's "hometown of football", Meizhou boasts a football history dating back to the 1870s. The city is steeped in sporting passion, and it also offers visitors idyllic landscapes and local cuisine.
Meizhou Wuhua·Yuankeng Relic Scenic Area (梅州五华·元坑遗址景区)
The Yuankeng Relic Scenic Area is recognized as the cradle of modern football in China. Historical records note that in 1873, German missionaries introduced football here as part of the curriculum at a local school. This marked the first time Chinese students became participants in modern football.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, the scenic area features reconstructed sites such as the Zhongshu Academy, the original football field, city gates, and a mountain track. New attractions include watchtowers, statues of the pioneering missionaries, a football-themed plaza, sculptures, and cultural corridors. Visitors can relive the origins of Chinese football while enjoying a refreshing day in nature.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Yuankeng area, Yuantan Village, Changbu Town, Wuhua County, Meizhou (梅州市五华县长布镇源潭村元坑片)
Lee Wai Tong's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area (球王故里文化旅游区)
Wuhua County is the hometown of Lee Wai Tong, a legendary footballer and former Vice President of FIFA. His legacy is celebrated in Lee Wai Tong's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area, which features several sites like his former residence, stadiums, and the Meizhou Wuhua Football Science and Technology Museum.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
At Lianqing Mansion, Lee's former residence, visitors can admire the grandeur of traditional Hakka architecture while picturing the young boy who once practiced with pomelos as footballs. Not far away, the Wai Tong Stadium, with its iconic "angel wings" design, stands as China's largest county-level sports venue. The nearby Meizhou Wuhua Football Science and Technology Museum further immerses visitors in the story of world and Chinese football, blending culture, history, and innovation.
Lianqing Mansion (Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Huitang Stadium (Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Wuhua Olympic Sports Center)
Addresses:
Lianqing Mansion (联庆楼): Laolou Village, Hengpi Town, Wuhua County, Meizhou (梅州市五华县横陂镇老楼村)
Huitang Stadium (惠堂体育场): 109 Shuizhai Avenue, Wuhua County, Meizhou (梅州市五华县水寨大道109号)
Meizhou Wuhua Football Science and Technology Museum (梅州五华足球科技馆): 1036 Shuizhai Avenue, Wuhua County, Meizhou (梅州市五华县水寨大道1036号)
Yearning Tea Plantation Tourist Attraction (雁南飞茶田景区)
For a change of pace, head to Yearning Tea Plantation in Yanyang Town. This 5A-rated national tourist spot is a tea lover's paradise. Surrounded by rolling hills and blooming flowers, the area is famous for its smooth, fragrant Yannanfei tea. With its year-round spring-like climate, this scenic escape offers Hakka song and dance performances, local cuisine, tranquility, and beauty.
(Photo: Meizhou Daily)
(Photo: Yearning Tea Plantation Tourist Attraction)
Address: Changjiao Village, Yanyang Town, Meixian District, Meizhou (梅州市梅县区雁洋镇长教村)
Meizhou Hakka World Tourist Resort (梅州客天下旅游度假区)
At the Hakka World Tourist Resort, traditional Hakka architecture seamlessly merges with the stunning natural landscape of mountains and rivers. Sculptures, murals, and performances bring Hakka traditions to life, making it a one-stop destination for experiencing local heritage.
(Photo: Meizhou Daily)
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
Address: Dongsheng Village, Sanjiao Town, Meijiang District, Meizhou (梅州市梅江区三角镇东升村)
Taste of Meizhou
No trip to Meizhou is complete without sampling Hakka cuisine, one of the three major branches of Cantonese food. Known for its hearty flavors and rustic style, Hakka dishes such as salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu, braised pork with preserved vegetables, and steaming meatballs are sure to satisfy.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
September is also the season for Meizhou pomelos. With tender, juicy flesh and a perfect balance of sweet and tart, these seedless fruits are a highlight of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and make a perfect seasonal gift!
(Photo: Meizhou Daily)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Cai Junru
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
